Rosemount NGA 2000 WinControl Owner's manual

www.EmersonProcess.com

Instruction Manual

NGA WinControl

Communication Option for

MLT 1, MLT 2, MLT 3, MLT 4, MLT 5 and CAT 200

CLD, FID, HFID and WCLD

3

rd

Edition 06/2003

Instruction Manual

V300x

06/2003

WinControl for MLT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, CAT 200, CLD, FID, HFID & WCLD Instruction Manual

V300X

06/2003

Emerson Process Management

GmbH & Co. OHG

Industriestrasse 1

D-63594 Hasselroth

Germany

T +49 (0) 6055 884-0

F +49 (0) 6055 884-209

Internet: www.EmersonProcess.com

ESSENTIAL INSTRUCTIONS

READ THIS PAGE BEFORE PROCEEDING!

Emerson Process Management (Rosemount Analytical) designs, manufactures and tests

its products to meet many national and international standards. Because these instruments

are sophisticated technical products, you MUST properly install, use, and maintain

them to ensure they continue to operate within their normal specifications. The following

instructions MUST be adhered to and integrated into your safety program when installing,

using and maintaining Emerson Process Management (Rosemount Analytical) products.

Failure to follow the proper instructions may cause any one of the following situations to

occur: Loss of life; personal injury; property damage; damage to this instrument; and warranty

invalidation.

• Read all instructions prior to installing, operating, and servicing the product.

• If you do not understand any of the instructions, contact your Emerson Process

Management (Rosemount Analytical) representative or akrobit for clarification.

• Follow all warnings, cautions, and instructions marked on and supplied with the

product.

• Inform and educate your personnel in the proper installation, operation, and

maintenance of the product.

• To ensure proper performance, use qualified personnel to install, operate, update,

program, and maintain the product.

• The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement

and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the license

agreement. Due to the constant development of the software, the functions

themselves and their volume may be subject to change without prior notice.

®

• MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

All other product names are trademarks ot registered trademarks of their

respective owners.

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Misprints

reserved.

1

st

Edition 04/2001 2

nd

Edition 03/2002

3

rd

Edition 06/2003

©

2003 by Emerson Process Management

NGA WinControl User manual Contents •

••

• 3

Contents

Introduction 7

The Concept 7

The NGA WinControl Manual 7

NGA WinControl Outline 9

Installation and starting the program 9

NGA WinControl Key Points 10

Introduction 10

The Program Windows 11

Setting Properties 13

On and Offline Calculations - Calculation Channels 13

Measuring Cursors / Statistics Function 14

NGA WinControl Server 14

Additional External Entries 14

Context-Sensitive Menus 15

Windows Compatibility 15

DDE 15

OLE 16

Quick Introduction 16

The First Steps Assistant 16

The First Steps 16

NGA WinControl Windows 19

The Main Window 19

The Channel Window 19

Channel List/Channel Properties 20

The Value Display 23

The Bar Graph 24

The Line Diagram 26

The X/Y Diagram 31

The Data Table 35

The File Summary Window 38

The Project Drawing Window 39

The Event List and the Calibration List 40

The Event List 40

The Calibration List 42

The NGA WinControl Menus 42

The File Menu 43

Open 43

Close 44

Save 44

Save As 44

Save Part 44

Import 45

Export 45

Merge 49

Data Reduction 49

Print Preview 50

4 •

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• Contents NGA WinControl User manual

Print 50

Print Values between Cursors 51

Page Setup 51

Print Setup 51

File Name List 52

Load Configuration 52

Save Configuration 52

Load Calculation Channels 52

Save Calculation Channels 53

Save As Template 53

Use Template 54

Exit 54

The Edit Menu 54

Copy 54

Cut 54

Paste 54

Delete 54

Undo 55

Redo 55

Select all 55

Add Calculation Channel 55

Calculation Channel Properties 56

The View Menu 57

Properties 57

Remarks 57

Channel Comments 58

View as Line Diagram 58

View as Data Table 58

View as X/Y Diagram 59

View as Summary 59

Cursors 59

Show all 59

Undo Zoom 59

The Data Menu 59

Polling 59

New Line Diagram 60

New Bar Graph 60

New Value Display 60

New Data Table 60

New X/Y Diagram 61

New Excel Connection 61

New Project Drawing 63

AutoSave 63

Averaging 66

Delete Samples 66

The Programming Menu 67

Edit Device Configuration 67

Calculation Channels 67

Data Translation Sub-Systems 67

Calibration 69

Time 71

Display Status Report 71

Define Constants 71

Terminal 72

The Settings Menu 74

COM Port 74

Sampling Rate 78

Settings/Channel Selection 79

Toolbar, ToolTips and the Status Bar 79

Alarm 80

Size of Data Buffer 84

NGA WinControl User manual Contents •

••

• 5

Others 85

The Window Menu 86

The Help Menu 86

Help/Contents 86

Help/How to use Help 86

The First Steps Assistant 86

Help/Info 87

NGA WinControl Server 88

Server Operation 88

Functioning 88

Display of Clients Connected to the Server 88

Logfile of Connections 89

Protocol 89

Sample History 89

Server Interface 89

Functioning 89

Settings 90

Commands 90

Application Examples 93

How do I... 94

...establish a connection to the measuring device(s). 94

...set the sampling rate. 94

...change the properties of the active window. 94

...create a new value display. 95

...create a new bar graph. 95

...print a bar graph. 95

...create a new data table. 95

...print a data table. 95

...create a new line diagram. 95

...print a line diagram. 96

...print the channel list. 96

...save data to a file. 96

...load a saved data file. 96

...insert a WinControl diagram into a text document. 97

...control an ALMEMO network using the NGA WinControl. 97

...use the demo version. 97

...automatically continue polling after power failure. 98

...automatically create daily files. 98

...merge data files with one another. 99

...administer multiple program configurations. 99

...automatically load a specific configuration when starting the program. 99

...define a global calculation channel. 100

...define a local calculation channel. 100

... define counters, sums or averages throughout the measurement 100

...establish a modem connection. 101

... analyse a curve 101

... add or amend channel comments 101

... save part of a data set 102

... display overlapping characteristic curves 102

... add notes to a measurement data file 102

... export an event list 102

... automatically save an event list 102

... save and use display properties 103

... print line diagrams over several pages 103

... transfer data to Excel online 103

...transfer call parameters to a program to be started in case of alarm 103

... create a project drawing 104

... automatically store several files onto the hard disk per day 105

... create averages for definable time areas (e.g. daily or hourly averages) 105

6 •

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• Contents NGA WinControl User manual

… working with several instances of NGA WinControl 105

Automatic Programme Numeration 105

Automatic Administration of Initializing Files 106

User-Defined Main Window Titles 106

… define a default directory for data files 106

OLE server registration in Windows 2000 106

Creating line diagrams from a template 107

APPENDIX 108

Formulae 108

Numerical values 108

Operands 108

Functions 108

Values of other Channels 110

External Functions 110

Decimal Separators and Channel Descriptions 113

Connecting a modem to a measuring device 114

Establish a connection to a measuring device 114

Connecting a Measurement Device to your PC 114

Layout of serial connector of MLT 114

Layout of serial connector of BINOS E 115

Settings in NGA WinControl 116

Data formats of the Export Function 116

Text 116

Famos 116

Lotus WK1 (Excel) 116

Binary 116

QS-STAT 116

DIAdem Format 116

Glossary 117

NGA WinControl User manual Introduction •

••

• 7

Introduction

The Concept

Thank you for purchasing the NGA WinControl program. The programming functions,

namely: device programming, the ability to summarise, display and work with your data, and

calibration enable you to connect your measuring devices to your computer and to manage

them more effectively. DDE and OLE standard support allows the integration of different

applications with this data acquisition program.

The modular structure of the program allows you to configure your own individual program

variant containing the options which are relevant for you. Please note that some of the func-

tions described in this manual might not be supported by your current program version.

However, you can extend your software functions by releasing additional options at any time.

This program has been designed with a standard Windows user interface in mind, guaran-

teeing quick and easy use. The help system (accessed by pressing F1) provides immediate

help or information should you require it.

Those who prefer to read the following information on paper rather than on the computer

screen should find this manual very useful. The following section entitled

“The NGA WinControl Manual” is intended to maximise your use of this manual.

The NGA WinControl Manual

If you wish to develop a full understanding of all program functions, we recommend that you

read chapters two to five. This manual begins by describing the program’s main window and

then goes on to explain all program functions in more detail. This should help develop your

knowledge and understanding of the program.

For those who are familiar (Windows) users a full description may be somewhat repetitive.

A more effective and completely sufficient method of learning how to use the program is to

simply look up the topics that you want to know more about. Of particular interest are the

chapters “NGA WinControl Outline”, “NGA WinControl Windows” and “The NGA WinControl

Menus”.

The chapter “NGA WinControl Outline” is designed to provide sufficient information for “ex-

perts” to develop a sufficient knowledge of how the program works and how to use it.

We too are often plagued by the laborious task of reading a manual and for this reason we

have developed chapter five of this manual entitled “How do I...”. This is a quick reference

chapter which describes many of the program’s functions. All the information in this manual

is contained in the NGA WinControl help system which means that program information is

always at your fingertips should you need it.

8 •

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• Introduction NGA WinControl User manual

In order to optimise your use of this manual, we have applied particular conventions

throughout. The table below explains these conventions:

Convention Meaning

Courier

Directory names, File names, Acronyms.

Italics Commands, Buttons and text that you need to enter

or select.

< > A character that appears in these brackets repre-

sents a key symbol, letter or description.

The keys one and two must be pressed simultane-

ously.

The keys one and two must be pressed one after

the other.

STARTING!

Tips on starting an action.

Please note, that there are some parts not translated in English language. Please contact

us, to get a newer version of user manual.

Manual conven-

tions, Keyboard

Combinations

and Symbols

Tip!

NGA WinControl User manual NGA WinControl Outline •

••

• 9

NGA WinControl Out-

line

Installation and starting the program

NGA WinControl requires an IBM-compatible computer with Windows 98 or higher, at least

32MB of RAM and a maximum of 3 MB free hard disk space. A mouse is not required but is

recommended.

Before installing this program you should make a backup copy of the original program disks.

Once you have done this, install the program using this copy. Remember to store the origi-

nal and the backup in a safe place as with all diskettes. In order to install NGA WinControl

on your computer, use the installation program SETUP on the program disk.

⋅ Place the disk in disk drive a (b)

⋅ Start Windows and select File/Run in the Program Manager

⋅ Enter a:\setup.exe (b:\setup.exe)

⋅ Enter the information requested during installation

Following installation, NGA WinControl can be started like any other Windows program.

You can either start the program from the Windows Program Manager, by double clicking

with the left mouse button on the program icon, or by entering the source directory and then

NGA.exe under File/Run in the Program Manager.

If the dialogue “NGA WinControl Licence Information“ appears after starting the programme,

your licence has not been registered. The term of an unregistered version is limited to a

maximum of 30 days. The time left of that term is given under “Remaining Trial Time”.

In order to license the acquired software, simply click on the internet address indicated un-

der “Registration” in the “NGA WinControl Licence Information” dialogue box. In the site that

will appear, enter your information into the form and click on “send”.

Once we have received and checked your details, we will send you your release code. After

entering the code into the respective field in the “NGA WinControl Licence Information” dia-

logue, the limitation to the term will be cleared.

Of course you can also contact us by phone or fax. You can find our numbers in the “Help /

Info” as well as in the “NGA WinControl Licence Information” dialogue.

If you want to register now, click on

http://www.akrobit.de/nga/register.htm

NGA WinControl can also be operated with a hardlock (dongle), in which case the software

needn’t be released by an unlock code. Dongles are available for various ports (se-

rial/parallel, USB, ISA, PCI).

System Require-

ments

Installation

Program Start

Registration

Copy Protection

10 •

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• NGA WinControl Outline NGA WinControl User manual

The dongle solution is especially recommended if the same software is applied on several

computers (e.g. laptop and desktop pc).

The standard version of NGA WinControl can be extended by individual optional functions

(timed saving, modem connections, Ethernet connections and alarm functions) or changed

into the professional version (all optional functions are available).

In order to do this, use the button “Upgrade” in the “Help / Info” dialogue. This will take you to

the “NGA WinControl Licence Information” dialogue. The procedure of activating the addi-

tional functions or the upgrade to the professional version is the same as for registration.

Changes or additions to NGA WinControl made after the printing of this manual will be

documented in the README.WRI file.

NGA WinControl Key Points

Introduction

Using NGA WinControl and Windows, you can control as many channels per measuring

device as desired (within the limitations of your hardware). NGA THERM and ALMEMO

measuring devices are supported by this program. Channels will be automatically recog-

nized and listed once a connection between your devices and the computer has been estab-

lished. The interval between measurements can be varied according to your requirements.

In addition to the measurement values of NGA measuring devices, data can be captured

and processed via multi-function cards from the company Data Translation. The channels of

the multi-function cards are recognized and listed up automatically as soon as the cards or

the respective sub-systems have been activated. Read-in of values from the multi-function

cards and the NGA measuring devices takes place with the same scan rate.

Using NGA WinControl, sensors and devices can be programmed. The programming can

be saved in a file and restored whenever required.

If you wish to use a measuring device as a data logger, then the software lets you download

data from a device’s memory, display the data as a line diagram and then save it. The re-

spective parameters for this can be set in a dialogue box and programmed using NGA Win-

Control.

If it is necessary to read data from a remote location, this can be done using a modem.

As an option, NGA WinControl enables you to carry out communication with the NGA meas-

urement system via the computer network (a TCP/IP address) instead of a serial interface.

In the server operating mode of NGA WinControl, captured data can be passed on to up to

200 clients. A WinControl server can be accessed via network (intranet or internet).

In the remote operating mode of NGA WinControl, measurement values captured by the

NGA WinControl server can be taken over and processed with all available functions.

Upgrade

ReadMe.wri

Supported

Channels

Programming

Data Logger

Modem

Connections by

Ether net

NGA WinControl

as Data Server

Remote Access

via WinControl

NGA WinControl User manual NGA WinControl Outline •

••

• 11

Data can be displayed numerically, in the form of a bar graph, data table, X/Y and/or line

diagram. It is also possible to display one or more channels simultaneously in the different

viewing forms mentioned above.

There are different possibilities for archiving data: Auto Saving on the hard disk; saving as a

line diagram or in a data table; or simply as numerical values.

Any values that exceed the set limits or sensor errors will temporarily be displayed in a table

or on a line diagram (cf.: Channel List). This display feature means that any interference

that occurs whilst using the program will be visible to the user. Interference can be distin-

guished by distinct breaks in the line of a graph. It is also possible to log any interference in

the channel list window.

Using the calculation channels, it is possible to analyze your data in both on and offline

modes. Two measuring cursors are used to examine and evaluate – with the help of the in-

tegrated statistics function – the curves of the line diagrams. It is also possible to transfer

your data using DDE transfer, to copy the information to the clipboard or to save the data in

different formats.

An alarm can arise from both measured and calculated data. Special events and actions

can be assigned to such an alarm (for example, starting another application). These events

and actions are dependent on program settings.

You can create technical documentation of your data by printing out diagrams, tables and

the channel list together with correction values. These printouts can be viewed prior to print-

ing, using the “Print Preview” command. All printers and plotters with Windows drivers are

supported.

To help you create documents related to the data that NGA WinControl can store, line dia-

grams can be imported into text documents either using OLE or by copying the information

to the clipboard.

NGA WinControl will operate under Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 98/2000/ME.

NGA WinControl can be used simultaneously in On and Offline mode.

Keyboard shortcuts and the toolbar enable fast access to the most important program func-

tions. Important information and advice appears in the status bar.

The Program Windows

Once you have established a connection between your computer and the measuring de-

vices, by entering or selecting the appropriate information in the “COM Port Settings” dia-

logue box, then a “Channel List” window should appear. This window contains a list of all

connected and programmed channels as well as calculation channels.

If the channels of the multi-function cards are activated via the function Programming/Data

Translation Sub-Systems, they are displayed in the channel list as well.

In the dialogue box “Channel List/Channel Properties” you can change the channel settings.

The “Channel List” window is always open and cannot be closed.

The numerical display of data appears in the Value Display window. The “Channel List

Properties” dialogue box allows you to select the channels that should be displayed.

You can open as many windows of this type as you wish and display them simultaneously.

Data Display

Saving Data

Interference Log

Analysis and

Evaluation

Alarms

Printing

Documentation

Operating Sys-

tem

Offline Opera-

tion

Program Use

Channels

Data Display

12 •

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• NGA WinControl Outline NGA WinControl User manual

This is one graphical method of displaying data. The bar graph window lets you display a

single channel or a group of them. The basic characteristics of a bar graph are: automatic

monitoring of limits, the labeling of limits and the display of minimum and maximum values.

In the “Bar Graph Properties” dialogue box, you can select the channels to be displayed.

You can open as many bar graphs as you wish and display them simultaneously. Each win-

dow can display all channels that are available to the system.

Another graphical method of measurement display is the line diagram. In contrast to the

numerical data display and bar graph, the data for a line diagram is buffered in the com-

puter’s memory. This data can be saved as a file either during or after polling and subse-

quently used for DDE transfer or with another application (for example, a spreadsheet pro-

gram). Like the other program windows, the “Line Diagram Properties” dialogue box allows

you to set the properties of such a diagram and the channels that are displayed in it.

You can open as many line diagrams as you wish and display them simultaneously. Each

diagram can display as many channels as you want with a maximum of four different y-axes.

It is also possible to display the data in a table or as an X/Y diagram at any time.

Whereas a line diagram always plots a measurement over time, the X/Y diagram can be

used to plot against other axes. Like the data for a line diagram, that of the X/Y diagram is

buffered in the computer’s memory. This data can be saved as a file either during or after

polling and subsequently used for DDE transfer or with another application (for example, a

spreadsheet program). Like the other program windows, the “X/Y Diagram Properties” dia-

logue box allows you to set the properties of such a diagram and the channels that are dis-

played in it.

You can open as many X/Y diagrams as you wish and display them simultaneously. Each

window can display all channels that are available to the system with up to four different

axes. It is also possible to display data in a table or as a line diagram at any time.

This displays data in a table and also buffers it in the computer’s memory. This data can be

saved as a file either during or after polling and subsequently used for DDE transfer or with

another application (for example, a spreadsheet program). Like the other program windows,

the “Table Properties” dialogue box allows you to set the properties of such a diagram and

the channels that are displayed in it.

You can open as many tables as you wish and display them simultaneously. Each table can

display all channels that are available to the system. It is also possible to display the data in

a line or X/Y diagram at any time.

If a file is saved using the commands Data/AutoSave or Data/Download from Device Mem-

ory, then this file will be displayed in a file summary window when you use the Open com-

mand. The text in this window provides you with important information, such as the time the

data was recorded and which channels were recorded.

To create a new line diagram, data table or X/Y diagram from the information displayed in an

active file summary window, use the commands Data/New Line Diagram, Data/New Data

Table or Data/New X/Y Diagram. In order to change the way you view your data, select from

one of the following: View/View as Line Diagram, View/View as Data Table and View/View

as X/Y Diagram.

You can open as many windows of this type as you wish and display them simultaneously.

NGA WinControl features the option to display the measurement structure in a particular

window. Graphics (bitmaps), text boxes and the captured data can be displayed in data

fields (only number and frame) at any random position.

To create a project drawing, execute the menu function Data / New Project drawing.

The dialogue box “Properties of the Project drawing” will appear, and you stipulate the size

of the image and decide whether you want to use a grid as a drawing aid. This dialogue box

can be called at any time to make changes to the properties of the project drawing.

Bar Graph

Line Diagram

X/Y Diagram

Data Table

File Summary

Project drawings

NGA WinControl User manual NGA WinControl Outline •

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• 13

After confirming with OK, an empty window will appear, in which you can now display the

desired elements (data fields, text fields and bitmaps). This can be done with the help of the

functions in the menus Objects, Edit and View as well as a context-sensitive menu. The

menu Object is only visible when the project drawing is activated.

Any number of objects of every type can be integrated into one project drawing, and any

number of project drawings can be active in the program simultaneously. Among others, this

feature can be used to display both overall and partial views of a project at the same time.

Once created, a project drawing can be saved and reloaded in file format. When loading a

project drawing from memory, choose the file type “NGW Project drawings” (*.amb) in the

standard dialogue.

Setting Properties

Every window that is opened in NGA WinControl is defined by its corresponding properties

dialogue box. Using this dialogue box, you can set the relevant properties for each window.

The properties dialogue box can be called up by:

 Opening a new window

 Selecting View/Properties

 Double clicking in the current window with the left mouse button

 Clicking once on the right mouse button in the current window and selecting the

“Properties” menu item.

 Pressing <ENTER>

On and Offline Calculations - Calculation Channels

The mathematical functions allow for the calculation of physical sizes (values) from polled

data.

Using the calculation channels, data can be processed and displayed both on and offline.

Calculation channels can take on two forms, depending on their definition. These are global

and local channels.

If you wish to make a calculation channel available to the entire system, then you should

define it using the “Channel List/Channel Properties“ dialogue box. Once this dialogue box

has been opened (by activating the channel list window and giving the View/Properties

command) you should select the “Calculation Channels“ window.

Other ways of giving this command are:

⋅ By double clicking with the left mouse button in the current channel window

⋅ By clicking once with the right mouse button in the active window and selecting the Cal-

culation Channels command from the context menu

⋅ By pressing <ENTER> when the “Calculation Channels“ window is activated, or

⋅ By giving the command Programming/Calculation Channels

If you just want a calculation channel to be made available to a specific data set (for exam-

ple, a diagram or data table), then you should define the channel using the Edit/Add Calcula-

tion Channel command. This command is only available when the specific data set is active

(that is, as an X/Y diagram, a line diagram or a data table).

Another way of giving this command is:

⋅ By clicking once with the right mouse button in the active window and selecting the Cal-

culation Channels command from the context menu

STARTING!

Global calculation

channels

STARTING!

Local calculation

channels

STARTING!

14 •

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• NGA WinControl Outline NGA WinControl User manual

Measuring Cursors / Statistics Function

Two measuring cursors are available as an additional analysis function of the program, and

are used to examine and evaluate – with the help of the integrated statistics function – the

measurement curves of the line diagrams. These measuring cursors are available for all

active line diagrams (also simultaneously) both on and offline.

In order to analyse the course of a curve, the data file is opened and displayed in the view

form ”Line Diagram“. The menu View as well as the context-sensitive menu can use the

function “Cursors” to activate and deactivate the measuring cursors.

Activated cursors are shown as two vertical lines in the diagram, and a table in the bottom

part of the line diagram window shows the data of all lines below the cursors.

Furthermore, the integrated statistics function calculates the following values for each curve

in the line diagram:

⋅ Difference between the two data below the cursor

⋅ Minimum, maximum and average of the area within the cursors

⋅ Difference between minimum and maximum

These values will be listed in the chart, too.

The ratio between the size of the line diagram and the statistics table can be determined

individually. If the mouse pointer is moved over the line between diagram and table, its form

will change and the line can be moved while pressing the left mouse button. The size of the

line diagram will be adapted and the table will be shown complete or with a vertical bar.

The following options are available for printing:

⋅ Direct print of diagram and statistics table

⋅ Direct print of statistics table

⋅ Copying of diagram or statistics table, e. g. into text documents or spreadsheets.

NGA WinControl Server

In the server operation mode of NGA WinControl, captured data can be passed on to up to

200 clients. The WinControl server can be accessed as desired via the network (intranet or

internet).

Several users or applications can thus access the values of a measurement system, and

data can be provided to the respective application without having an impact on each other.

⋅ For example the following applications are available:

⋅ Multiple Access to Measurement Device

⋅ Integration into other Applications

⋅ Remote Access

⋅ Extended Data Export

⋅ Separate Capturing and Evaluation

⋅ External Online Evaluation

Additional External Entries

In addition to the measurement values of NGA measuring devices, data can be captured

and processed via multi-function cards from the company Data Translation. The channels of

the multi-function cards are recognized and entered into the channel list automatically as

soon as the cards or the respective sub-systems have been activated.

Printing

NGA WinControl User manual NGA WinControl Outline •

••

• 15

Measurement values are captured in the same measurement cycle as the values of NGA

devices and can be processed in the same way (display in various forms, integration into

calculation channels, alarm management, etc.).

The following Data Translation card families are supported: DT 300, DT 330, DT 340, DT

3000, DT 3010, DT 7101 and DT 7102. Provided support by hardware and card driver, sev-

eral cards can be supported at the same time.

A card can contain one or more A/C sub-systems that can be programmed independently.

NGA WinControl supports all existing sub-systems.

The user can select for each sub-system:

⋅ If the measurement values of the sub-system are to be integrated into NGA WinControl

⋅ If the sub-system is to be operated with differential or single-ended inlets

⋅ Which input voltage is to be selected (e.g. 0-10V or –10-10V)

Each sub-system contains a number of channels. The following settings can be made for

each channel:

⋅ Description of the channel

⋅ Multiplying Factor (if the card contains an adjustable multiplier)

⋅ Scaling

A card can contain one or more digital I/O sub-systems that can be programmed independ-

ently. NGA WinControl supports all existing sub-systems.

The user can select for each sub-system if the measurement values of the sub-system are

to be integrated into NGA WinControl.

Each sub-system contains a number of channels. An individual description can be chosen

for each channel.

Context-Sensitive Menus

Due to the different properties and functions of the program’s windows, there are different

menu functions for each window. As a result, the menu may change depending on the ac-

tive window. The most effective method of displaying the most important functions at a

glance are context menus. These menus can be opened by clicking with the right mouse

button in the desired window.

Windows Compatibility

DDE

If you have more than one program running simultaneously in the Windows environment, for

example data acquisition and a spreadsheet program, then data can be transferred between

these programs without having to save the data in a file or copy it to the clipboard. This

means that you can use your spreadsheet program to immediately analyse your most re-

cently acquired data. This is also possible whilst data acquisition is active.

Analogue Inlets

Digital Inlets

16 •

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• NGA WinControl Outline NGA WinControl User manual

OLE

A combination of word processing and data acquisition is recommended particularly for the

logging of repetitive measurements. Using OLE, you can insert a line diagram into text

document. In doing so, the user can access NGA WinControl functions from within the text

editor. (cf.: "...insert a WinControl diagram into a text document." on page 97).

A further option of automated logging is to transfer data online into a prepared Excel docu-

ment during the measurement cycle. This option can be used, for example, to feed updated

data into existing macros.

Quick Introduction

The “First Steps” should help you to gain a first understanding of the program’s main func-

tions. The “First Steps with NGA WinControl” online assistant is designed to assist you

when starting with the program. If you prefer working with this manual, the information pro-

vided by the online assistant is also contained in the section “The First Steps”.

The First Steps Assistant

This assistant provides you with online help on working with NGA WinControl. Depending

on the program settings, it is possible to start the assistant automatically when the program

is started. Alternatively, it can be activated using the Help/First Steps menu command or by

pressing <F2>.

To obtain help on a specific topic, select one of the topics from the list ( found on the left) by

clicking on it once with the left mouse button.

Links have been inserted into explanatory texts, in a different color from the actual text.

These links are either connected to similar topics in the Help program or open a dialogue

box in direct relation to the respective topic.

If you do not want the assistant to appear when starting the program, deactivate the check

box in the lower half of the assistant’s window. Clicking on Close will exit the assistant.

For correct operation, the Internet explorer 3.0 or higher (recommended: at least 5.5) has to

be installed.

The First Steps

Connect your THERM or ALMEMO measuring device to a free serial port on your computer

(COM1 to COM9) and set the baud rate for the measuring device (for example, 9600 baud).

Using the Settings/COM Port menu command, open the COM port dialogue box and enter

the same settings (COM port and baud rate). Confirm these entries by clicking on OK. If

the settings are correct, the dialogue box will close and shortly afterwards a list will appear

displaying the channels of the connected device(s).

If you are working with the demo version of NGA WinControl and do not have any measuring

devices available, it is possible to simulate such a connection. To do so, open the COM port

dialogue box by using the Settings/COM Port menu command and select a free port (COM1

to COM9). Activate the “Simulation” check box in the lower portion of this dialogue box and

then confirm it by clicking on OK. If the settings are correct, the dialogue box will close and

shortly afterwards a list will appear displaying the channels of the connected device(s).

Warning!

Connecting a

measuring de-

vice

Simulating a

measuring de-

vice

NGA WinControl User manual NGA WinControl Outline •

••

• 17

Open a dialogue in the menu Settings/Channel selection to select which secondary chan-

nels (temperature, pressure, flow, rough data) you would like to process.

As new channels will be added when these values are selected and channels are deleted

when values are unselected, the settings for AutoSave and alarms should be checked after

executing such changes to make sure that all channels are included into the selected ac-

tions.

In order to create a file to save your measured data, select AutoSave from the “Data” menu

or press F8. In the dialogue box that appears, select the channel(s) whose data you wish to

save (to do so, hold down the <CTRL> key and click in the list with the left mouse button).

By clicking on the Start button, a dialogue box will appear for the file. In the field “File

name”, enter the name that you want to give to the data file and then click on OK to confirm

this name and close the dialogue box. Once polling starts, all data for the selected chan-

nel(s) will be saved under the given file name.

To start reading the data from the connected measuring device(s), you need to start polling.

This is done by using the Polling command from the “Data” menu or by pressing F12. It is

possible that the “AutoSave” dialogue box will appear at this point, it depends on the pro-

gram settings. (cf. “Creating a data file”). If you do not wish to save the data, click on Can-

cel. The current sampling rate should appear in the status bar (field dt:...). This rate can be

altered by using the Settings/Sampling Rate command or by using the <CTRL+R> keyboard

combination. The polled data can be viewed in value display mode, as a bar graph, in a

data table and as a line and X/Y diagram.

By using the Data/New Value Display command or by clicking on the toolbar icon with the

left mouse button, a numerical data display window will be opened. In the “Value Display

Properties” dialogue box, you can select the channel that you wish to display. This is done

by clicking on the desired channel from the list with the left mouse button. You should then

confirm your selection by clicking on OK. The resulting display can be repositioned and re-

sized according to your requirements. During polling, the most recent data will appear in this

display (cf. topic “Polling”).

The Data/New Bar Graph command or F6 will open a bar graph. In the “Bar Graph Proper-

ties” dialogue box, you can select the channel(s) that you wish to display on the bar graph.

To do so, select the channel(s) from the list and activate the check box next to the channel

description. Confirm your selection by clicking on OK. The resulting display can be reposi-

tioned and resized according to your requirements. During polling, the most recent data will

appear in this display (cf. topic “Polling”). If you press <ENTER> when this window is active,

the dialogue box will reappear.

The Data/New Line Diagram command or F5 will open a line diagram. In the “Line Diagram

Properties” dialogue box, you can select the channel(s) that you wish to display on the line

diagram. To do so, select the channel(s) from the list and activate the check box next to the

channel description. Confirm your selection by clicking on OK. The resulting display can be

repositioned and resized according to your requirements. If you press <ENTER> when this

window is active, the dialogue box will reappear.

To change the properties of a line diagram, you should open its properties dialogue box. If

the line diagram window is currently active, this can be done by pressing <ENTER>. In or-

der to change the line colours, select the appropriate channel from the list and then the de-

sired colour from the list of colours. To display the limit values for a channel, select it from

the list and then activate the “Show Limits ” check box. If you wish to assign a channel to

another y-axis then select the channel from the list and click on the desired y-axis. To dis-

play gridlines on this diagram, activate the “Show Gridlines” check box.

Channel selec-

tion

Creating a data

file

Polling

New value dis-

play

New bar graph

New line dia-

gram

Changing a line

diagram

18 •

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• NGA WinControl Outline NGA WinControl User manual

To save a line diagram, the line diagram window needs to be active (this can be done by

clicking in the window with the left mouse button), then use the File/Save As command. In

the resulting dialogue box enter a file name in the file name field and select the drive and

directory that you want the file to be saved to and in.

It is possible to insert a NGA WinControl line diagram into a text document. To do so, acti-

vate the line diagram window within NGA WinControl (done by clicking in the window with

the left mouse button) and then give the Edit/Copy command. Start your text or word proc-

essing program and then position the cursor at the point where you would like to insert the

diagram. Within this program use the Edit/Insert command.

The Data/New X/Y Diagram command or F11 will open an X/Y diagram. In the “X/Y Dia-

gram Properties” dialogue box, you can select the channel(s) that you wish to display on the

X/Y diagram. From the list, you need to select a channel for the x-axis and at least one for

the y-axis. The latter is done by activating the check box for the desired channel. Additional

settings can be made in the same way as for a line diagram. Confirm your selections by

clicking on OK. The resulting display can be repositioned and resized according to your re-

quirements. If you press <ENTER> when this window is active, the dialogue box will reap-

pear.

Open a dialogue in the menu Settings/Alarm to make all alarm settings. The settings are

divided into categories listed on register cards:

⋅ On the register card "Alarm" the user can determine whether alarms are to be triggered

in the first place. All other settings are only effective if this option has been activated.

⋅ On the register card "Alarm reactions" the user can activate the option “Entry into event

list“ to display alarms and status reports on screen.

⋅ On the register card “Reminder“ the user can set the period > 0 to suppress alarm mes-

sages for a certain period of time if an on-screen confirmation has taken place but the

alarm situation prevails.

To stop polling use the Data/Polling command, press F12 or click on the red Start/Stop but-

ton on the far left of the toolbar. By doing so, “dt:STOP” will appear in one of the status bar

fields. To stop saving the data (see “Creating a data file”), use the Data/AutoSave com-

mand and click on Stop.

Using the File/Open command you can view a data file. Depending on the program settings

either a line diagram, an X/Y diagram, a data table or a text window containing the most im-

portant file information will be opened. Using the View/View as... command you can chose

how the data is viewed. Each view can be adjusted as desired by using it’s respective

properties dialogue box.

Deleting a channel from a diagram will result in it being deleted from the data file.

Saving a line

diagram

Copying a line

diagram

New X/Y dia-

gram

Alarm and event

list

Stop polling

Viewing a data

file

Warning!

NGA WinControl User manual NGA WinControl Windows •

••

• 19

NGA WinControl Win-

dows

The Main Window

The main window is the framework for all NGA WinControl operations. All program specific

tasks operate within this window, which can be minimised and run as a background task. All

program tasks can be started using the menu commands. NGA WinControl only displays the

commands that can be carried out.

This naturally varies according to many different factors. To increase the ease and speed of

operating the program, the most frequently used commands and program functions are dis-

played as icons in the toolbar.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcuts that are listed throughout this manual.

The status bar at the bottom of this window provides the user with important information and

assistance. Each toolbar carries a brief description of its function and detailed help is avail-

able through the program’s help system.

Once you have started the program, the channel window and any other windows that were

still open when you last exited the program will appear. If the “First Steps Assistant” has

been deactivated, the “COM Port Settings” dialogue box will also appear.

The Channel Window

All measuring devices will be displayed in the “Channel” window once they have been de-

tected and a connection has been established. If the channels of the multi-function cards are

activated via the function Programming/Data Translation Sub-Systems, they are displayed in

the channel list as well.

The displayed list contains the following elements: Status, Comment, Device, Channel,

Range, Sensor, Limits, correction values (Factor und Offset), indications of use of NO or

NOx as well as Version Number and Status History.

In the column „Status“ the current status of a channel is described. Following symbols are

used:

· Limit excess ( )

· Sensor error ( )

· Data status maintenance requirement ( )

· Data status function control ( )

· Data status error ( )

· Auto Save ( )

· Avaraging while Auto Save ( )

Channels

20 •

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• NGA WinControl Windows NGA WinControl User manual

· Waiting for start of time controlled Auto Save ( )

The respective symbols only appear at the time when the corresponding state is in progress.

In the column „Status Hist.“ all alerts are displayed which presently occurred. Following

symbols are used:

· Limit excess ( )

· Sensor error ( )

· Data status maintenance requirement ( )

· Data status function control ( )

· Data status error ( )

The symbols remain even when the faults are disappeared. With the Reset Status Hist. but-

ton in the “Channel List Properties” dialogue box the display can be cleared.

Furthermore, all calculation channels defined as virtual channels will be listed.

This window is always open whilst the program is running and the list will be updated if any

devices are added or removed. In addition, all virtual calculation channels will appear in the

list.

Channel List/Channel Properties

Using the “Channel List/Channel Properties” dialogue box you can alter the properties of this

window, the definition of the calculation channels and program the physical channels.

Depending on which settings are to be made, you can bring the desired register card of the

dialogue into the foreground by clicking with the left mouse button on the corresponding in-

dex-tab.

The “Channel List” window allows you to select the information that should be displayed in

the channel list. This is done using the check boxes that appear in this window. They can

be activated and deactivated by clicking on the appropriate box with the left mouse button.

If the “Limit Monitor” check box is active, then any interference that occurs during polling will

be displayed. This display remains even if the interference has stopped. The “Reset Moni-

tor” button will clear the display. Error values will temporarily be displayed in the first line of

the Channel List.

The “Window Title” field lets the user enter a new name for the window.

Channel List Pro-

perties

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